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Wind energy has huge value

Laurie Odden, Executive Director, Rugby Chamber of Commerce

As we enter the new year in full swing, one of our “resolutions” in 2021 is to continue supporting the resiliency of our great local businesses. 2020 was an unprecedented year for us all, and this year will be focused on the economic recovery and ways that we can spring new growth.

This will not always be easy, but having support from our local infrastructure makes a significant difference. That’s exactly what wind energy is doing in Rugby and in communities across the state. For the last decade, the Rugby Wind Farm’s success shows that wind energy is a reliable and affordable energy source. Regardless of whether we are in the pandemic or not, our local wind project is reliably producing the same energy that our businesses and families need every day.

Wind projects are not just about producing reliable power. Their benefits extend to businesses, organizations, and landowners in the form of local tax revenue and land lease payments. This additional revenue is critical, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Pierce County is one of 22 counties in North Dakota that receives this type of revenue from wind projects.

As many communities meet their challenges in the years ahead, renewable energy projects can be a big boost. North Dakota leaders should explore every avenue for creating economic opportunity in our state through these projects.

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